9 common errors to avoid when sending flowers

9 common errors to avoid when sending flowers

Flowers, although a common gift, can be a priceless gesture that will never go out of style. What’s more? The process of sending a bouquet is fairly simple. But, one might still get details like the address, date, and preferences wrong. So, while one may have the right intentions, these lapses might ruin the surprise or delay it. So, before one sends flowers, one should be wary of the following common mistakes and avoid them. 1. Overlooking the receiver’s preferences A common error when gifting flowers is overlooking what the receiver might prefer. Although one might lean toward a type of flower, the recipient’s taste might differ. So, before buying flowers, one must consider what the person receiving the flowers likes about them, such as the colors, scent, and style. If one does not know what the other wants, they could ask family members or close friends for advice. 2. Going for the cheapest option Many online sellers list flower bouquets for prices that are too good to be true. This may turn out to be exactly why they are cheap. The seemingly affordable bouquets might be marketed using an attractive picture, but the flowers that are eventually shipped might be substandard or withered and old. Moreover, the overall price could include hidden charges, such as fees that must be paid following the delivery. So, one must ensure they go for value-for-money bouquets and choose reliable sellers. Remember, while a beautiful bouquet might cost more, it is usually a once-in-a-while purchase that can please the receiver and make them consider it a valuable gift.  3. Not considering the occasion The colors and arrangements of bouquets differ as per the occasion. Moreover, each flower symbolizes something unique. For instance, if one is sending flowers for a funeral, one ought to choose flower arrangements with muted colors, such as yellow, blue, or white.
10 common dishwasher mistakes to avoid

10 common dishwasher mistakes to avoid

Buying a dishwasher is an excellent choice, as it brings with it many benefits for one’s home. Whether one loves to prepare elaborate meals and doesn’t fancy washing up post-cooking or has a busy family and could do with a hand around the house, the appliance is the perfect time-saving solution. That said, like with any other appliance, a few mistakes, such as the ones mentioned below, can render it useless or reduce its life. 1. Overcrowding the rack Dishwashers can easily clean kitchenware, provided one does not overcrowd it. Too many dishes can cause detergent and water to get lodged in the crevices of the dishwasher. When this happens, the dishes are not going to be cleaned evenly. Spacing out items is the best way to ensure the load is adequately cleaned. 2. Failing to clean the dishwasher’s seal Individuals should pay attention to the lining of the dishwasher’s door. Grime and mold accumulating on the seal can compromise its functionality and leave air gaps. If this happens, one may notice food slime, detergent, water, and other residue slowly creeping out of the gaps, which could be annoying to clean up. It is important to periodically wipe the seal and check for damages to ensure it does not leak and improve the dishwasher’s durability. 3. Washing delicate kitchenware Only some people read the instruction manual that comes with a dishwasher. This manual always has instructions against putting delicate items, such as fine china and crystal. The dishwasher uses high-pressure water and strong detergents to clean dishes. This means that when one loads delicate China and crystal kitchenware, there’s a high possibility of those getting damaged. Instead, one should wash these separately by hand to keep them clean and safe from breakage. 4. Adding too much detergent While detergents help clean the dishes effectively, filling in too much is usually bad.
50 Black Friday offers to expect in 2022

50 Black Friday offers to expect in 2022

The day after Thanksgiving leads to the commencement of the Black Friday sales every year. However, some retailers may offer pre-Black Friday offers based on their business strategy. You can find kitchen appliances, home decor, gadgets, apparel and jewelry at discounted prices. The sale involves huge discounts, best prices, and best deals to attract customers. Here are the 50 Black Friday sales you should take note of based on the previous year. Amazon Alexa Echo Auto This Black Friday deal offered by the brand previously allowed customers to save more than $50 on the device. This electronic item lets you enjoy music, access maps, and make hands-free calls while driving. Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker If you are fond of drinking cold coffee, opting for this product during the holiday season might prove beneficial. It comes with a reusable tumbler and your beverage will be ready in a few minutes. The product may be available at a discount of $10 during the sale period. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag Tracker If you intend to keep a track of your luggage or your pet, this product will help you. The tracker can be attached to luggage, pets, and keys so that you can easily find them. It is compatible with Android 8.0 devices and provides live location updates directly to your mobile. During the sale season, this product may be available at a $12 discount. Bella Pro Series Analog Air Fryer If you are planning to switch to a healthier lifestyle, then opting for an air fryer can be a great idea. The fryer lets you bake, fry, and reheat without any oil so that you consume fewer calories. The machine may be available at a discount of $30 this Black Friday sale. Blink Mini Security Camera Having a security camera may be a good way to prevent intruders.
13 tasty foods for a healthy heart

13 tasty foods for a healthy heart

Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in our country. Statistics suggest that one in every five fatalities is associated with heart problems. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an active lifestyle and follow a meal plan that improves heart health. The foods listed below taste great by themselves, and you can also mix them with other ingredients to make them more palatable. But seek a nutritionist’s guidance to avoid the aggravation of underlying health conditions. Oatmeal Most people consider oatmeal a breakfast food, but it is more than just that. Oatmeal can be had any time of the day, especially in the form of granola bars, whenever hunger pangs are bothering. It is rich in soluble fiber, which causes the liver to produce more bile. Bile, in turn, helps lower LDL cholesterol. So a bowl of oatmeal mixed with your favorite foods can be a great step toward a healthy heart. Black bean salsa When the cravings are for something delicious yet healthy, have some black bean salsa. It is packed with soluble fiber that brings down bad cholesterol levels to a healthy range. Add some veggies, corn, and mango for a splash of color and to get all the essential nutrients and vitamins. Have this with baked chips made from whole grains to keep hunger at bay. Nuts and seeds trail mix Make a trail mix with nuts and seeds at home for instant snacking. Nuts and seeds are one of the best foods for a healthy heart. They have healthy fats that lower total cholesterol levels. Walnuts, in particular, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels and simultaneously increase HDL or good cholesterol levels. Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and flax contain B vitamins and vitamin E, which improve overall health. They are also a great source of fibers, nutrients, proteins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snacking option.
10 foods to a brighter glowing skin

10 foods to a brighter glowing skin

Skin care these days has become synonymous with splurging on masks, serums, creams, and massagers. As beneficial as these enriched solutions are, they cannot do it all. One of the main reasons for dull, lifeless skin is improper nourishment. It has long been known that the skin and hair reflect the kind of nourishment our body receives. Read this article to learn more about healthy and nourishing foods for nourished skin: Avocados If we had to pick just one food to maintain healthy glowing skin among the numerous options available, avocado would be it. Its rich and creamy texture provides versatility that helps incorporate the fruit into various recipes. Avocados carry a trusting balance of healthy fats, essential nutrients, and taste. It is truly a superfood that significantly assists in maintaining the skin’s firm and fresh look. Its fatty acid content makes it a natural moisturizer and keeps the skin dewy looking through all seasons. Berries Antioxidants have a bigger picture to paint when it comes to health than we generally give them credit for. The ability of these compounds to help maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being is unmatched. So is their ability to keep the skin glowing, fresh, and free of blemishes. Including berries, such as blueberries, has been a sure solution to the free radicals damaging your skin. Opting for berries when you have the munchies delivers on a healthy body and mind and gives you unbeatable glowing skin. Papaya Maintaining healthy and glowing skin might seem like a math problem that calls for a lot of head scratching. But, it isn’t, as long as you include healthy fruits and vegetables in your meals. Foods with a high amount of Vitamin C are an absolute must for glowing, age-defying skin. Papaya is one such fruit that carries loads of Vitamin C.
6 key health benefits of probiotics

6 key health benefits of probiotics

Probiotics constitute a significant component of a healthy nutritional regime. Hundreds of brands sell probiotics in the market, and several blogs and websites exist exclusively to count probiotics’ never-ending benefits. But do we understand the actual mechanism through which probiotics work? For that, we need to be clear about the definition of probiotics. We need to know what and how they function. Read this article to learn the definition and some key benefits of probiotics: What are probiotics? Your body contains within itself both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics are the good bacteria. When an infection affects your body, the number of harmful bacteria exceeds the number of beneficial bacteria in your body. To destroy these harmful bacteria and restore the balance in your body, you need to get good bacteria from external sources. These external sources include probiotic supplements or fermented foods. Some typical probiotic foods are probiotic yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and many more, while supplements include refrigerated capsules, shelf-stable capsules, liquid beverages, and powders. Key benefits of probiotics Probiotics are good bacteria and have several benefits, and several scientific studies back these benefits. Here is a list of the 6 most popular probiotics benefits you should know of: Improve nutritional absorption Your gut serves as a home for billions of microbes. These microbes are responsible for disintegrating the food you ingest and absorbing nutrients. Among these microbes, probiotics break down your food to generate B vitamins, which are vital in taking out energy from fats and carbohydrates. Besides that, B vitamins also disintegrate amino acids and transport energy-possessing nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Furthermore, probiotics have several strains, among which lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium help absorb essential minerals. These minerals include copper, magnesium, iron, and manganese, that is, minerals that are vital for energy production.
7 snack ideas for lowering cholesterol levels

7 snack ideas for lowering cholesterol levels

The CDC suggests that about 38% of adults in the country have high cholesterol levels. This puts them at risk of heart diseases and serious complications. So, it is important to regulate ones bad cholesterol levels by getting an adequate amount of heart-healthy fats and fiber. Adding sources like fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and legumes can help one get the necessary nutrients. So, here are seven snack ideas to lower one’s cholesterol levels: Oatmeal The versatility of oats is unmatched, so one can add them to any recipe of choice. Additionally, oatmeal is the go-to snack when it comes to lowering cholesterol. It is rich in soluble fibers that bind to cholesterol and flush them out before they can reach the bloodstream. Besides fiber, one serving of oatmeal contains high levels of protein and heart-friendly antioxidants. Fresh or dried fruits and honey are recommended additions to oatmeal as they can help achieve better results. Fruit bowl Fruit bowls are another way of adding low-cholesterol snacks into one’s daily diet. Fruits are incredibly rich in fiber and can make people feel full for extended periods. Additionally, they are a rich source of essential minerals and vitamins. Some of the most effective foods include almonds and fruits like berries and apples. However, managing portion size is crucial as certain fruits can be high in carbohydrates. Here is what one can use for a healthy and well-balanced fruit bowl: 8 strawberries 1 medium-sized apple A handful of grapes 2 tablespoons of flaked almonds or other nuts Yogurt parfait Low-cholesterol snacks do not have to be bland or boring. In fact, yogurt parfaits are the perfect example of delicious snacks people can have. One can add loads of fruit to the recipe. Yogurt fruit parfaits are an upgraded version of fruit salads.
These 7 signs indicate excess sugar intake

These 7 signs indicate excess sugar intake

Many scientific reports have found that diabetes is on the rise as a result of the pandemic. This is apparently possible due to the virus worsening pre-existing diabetes in people through increased insulin resistance. Studies have found that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. Due to these developments, it is imperative for everyone to know the noticeable signs of excessive sugar intake and blood sugar composition. Signs that you’re consuming excess sugar: Constant craving for sugary things The reward center in your brain activates when you ingest some food or drink containing sugar. When sugar enters your body, your brain responds to dopamine, also known as feel-good chemicals. To put it simply, the brain informs your body that it feels good and wants more of that sweet-tasting thing. The issue with such a feeling is that your brain gets addicted to it over time and starts craving more. This is similar to how you develop an alcohol tolerance and need more of it to feel the buzz. Feeling lethargic throughout the day The pleasure of the sweet taste spikes your insulin, which makes the brain happy. But after this initial high, it is inevitable for your brain to come down and feel low. It must be noted that your energy levels directly correlate with your glucose intake. If your glucose intake levels are stable, your energy levels will also remain stable. However, if you ingest too much glucose, your energy levels will go up suddenly and then have an abrupt landing, making you feel sluggish all day. To maintain your energy levels, it is vital to complement your sugar intake with lots of fiber and protein. Developing skin problems Excessive sugar intake leads to sudden insulin spikes. This sets off a gush of hormones which starts showing in the form of acne or rosacea.
3 effective tips for relieving nasal congestion

3 effective tips for relieving nasal congestion

A stuffy or congested nose develops when nasal and adjacent tissues and the blood vessels are swollen with excess fluid, resulting in one’s nose feeling plugged. It may be accompanied by a runny nose or nasal discharge and can be especially uncomfortable for children. Nasal congestion can be a common symptom of allergies, cold and sinus infections, or even environmental irritants. However, one can manage nasal congestion by the following treatment options, foods, and remedies: Treatment options Allegra: As an antihistamine, Allegra lowers the impact of the natural chemical histamine in the body. This chemical can trigger symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing. Allegra helps treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in both children and adults. This oral option can be taken on an empty stomach or 1–2 hours after a meal. It must not be consumed with fruit juices. One should consult a doctor for the dosage and check the label for instructions. Avoid using it for longer than recommended or in larger or small amounts than prescribed. Xyzal: This is also an antihistamine that can help with nasal congestion symptoms and can help overcome hives and skin itching. Like Allegra, Xyzal blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms. One should take it orally, with or without food. Doctors recommend one dose every 24 hours, preferably in the evening. However, the dosage depends on the patient’s response to the treatment, medical condition, and age, so it is important to consult a physician before opting for this option. Claritin: This antihistamine can provide relief from hives, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, skin rash, itching, hay fever, and other allergy or cold symptoms. People allergic to desloratadine or loratadine should avoid Claritin. Before consuming, one must read all the instructions on the packaging and label.  Better food choices Some foods can help relieve nasal congestion.
3 useful ways to manage tardive dyskinesia

3 useful ways to manage tardive dyskinesia

As per estimates, around 500,000 people in the country are affected by tardive dyskinesia. It is a condition where patients display repetitive, involuntary movements, such as tongue thrusting, lip-smacking, and rapid blinking. The disorder could be due to several factors, but it is often the side effect of specific treatments. So, the symptoms may reduce once the treatment plan is revised. Here are the treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia: Treatment options The first thing to do after experiencing the symptoms is to visit a doctor. The health expert may recommend a few treatments to manage tardive dyskinesia, such as those discussed below. Patients must keep the professional informed about the disorder’s progression after starting these treatments: INGREZZA This treatment is recommended for adults with tardive dyskinesia. Its effectiveness is not proven for children. INGREZZA must be used orally once a day or as advised by the doctor to control movements in the tongue, face, or other body regions. It reduces the effects of a specific brain chemical responsible for involuntary movements. INGREZZA may have side effects like sleepiness and heart rhythm problems. Deutetrabenazine It is another effective treatment to control involuntary movements in tardive dyskinesia patients and help them get on with their day-to-day routine work. Deutetrabenazine prevents the absorption of specific chemicals into the central nervous system, helping the nerves and muscles work naturally.  Some side effects include body pain, chills, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Foods choices Choosing the right foods when dealing with tardive dyskinesia is crucial for two reasons. One, patients have difficulty swallowing, and two, the right foods help keep the gut healthy and avoid issues like constipation, which can be detrimental for those with this condition. Here are the foods to eat: Fruit juices Juices of fruits like grapes and pomegranates are best for people with this disorder as they are easy to swallow.
4 must-have hair styling tools

4 must-have hair styling tools

Our tresses, in many ways, define us and reflect our personalities. Most of us pay a lot of attention to our hair and treat it as our best accessory. From going minimalistic by tying a knot to experimenting with different styles, there’s a lot that can be done with our hair. Thankfully, technological advancement has given us innumerable hair styling tools. Here are four such must-have tools that will help achieve that perfect look: Airwrap Dyson The Airwrap is one styling tool that should be a part of your accessories kit, thanks to the salon-like hairstyle you achieve every time you use it. This tool works on damp or semi-dry hair, which is in contrast to traditional hair styling tools. The dryer comes as an attachment with the Airwrap; hence, you do not have to use any other styling tool here.   The base styler has six interchangeable attachments. These include the pre-styling dryer, a round brush to give volume to your tresses, two curling barrels, and two smoothing brushes, one has softer bristles, and the other has firmer bristles. The advanced tool has four curling barrels.  Not just that, the Dyson Airwrap Styler comes in a trendy storage tan case, making it quite easy to store all the attachments and the main tool safely for next time. Best features:    The Airwrap is a smart tool wherein the heat is intelligently controlled.   It is also easy to handle with user-friendly and easy-to-understand features.   The styler uses anti-static negative ions, which means it is kind to your mane. The power-driven airflow sucks the hair strands and styles them accordingly without exposing them to high heat conditions.   It can be used with ease on short and long hair.   This one-in-all device supports simultaneous straightening and curling. So, if you have frizzy hair, you can use this tool to straighten them.
3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition.  Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient. Doctors can recommend BCMA-targeted immunotherapy for patients to enter remission. The B-cell maturation antigen or BCMA helps regulate the growth and survival of B cells, and it is heavily present in myeloma cells. Targeting BCMA to kill cancer cells can slow the progression of the disease. BCMA-targeted treatment is a form of CAR T-cell therapy. Monoclonal antibodies: These are synthetic or man-made antibodies that attack the proteins on the myeloma cell surface. The antibodies attach to the CD38 protein on the myeloma cells, killing them and strengthening the immune system to attack the cancerous cells.